WaterVerge

Is Linwood, KS Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

918 residents served 2 water systems PWSID: KS2010315
Overall Score
76.2 / 100
Violations
14 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#206 of 323 in Kansas Top 60% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
76.2/100
waterverge.com
B 76.2/100

Linwood, KS — Water Quality Report

Linwood's drinking water received a grade of B (76.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 918 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 45 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Linwood's water

Linwood ranks #206 out of 323 cities in Kansas for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 2.31 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.

As a small community water system, Linwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
76.2 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
29.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.1/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Linwood, KS water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Linwood's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 918 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

14
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Linwood

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linwood's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4035). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3324). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Linwood's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Linwood's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

RPTMONMROtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2024 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Oct 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Oct 2023 Chlorine Resolved
Dec 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Leavenworth County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Stranger C Nr Tonganoxie, Kansas R, Kill C, Cedar C, Camp C.

FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4035
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-3324
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3236

Where does Linwood's water come from?

Linwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 918 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Stranger C Nr Tonganoxie (river), Kansas R (river), Kill C (river), Cedar C (river), Camp C (river).

What Linwood residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Linwood's water.

Request your utility's CCR

Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.

Monitor alerts during storms

Linwood's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Chromium-6 (Hexavalent Chromium)
Inorganic
Detected
2.31 µg/L
CA MCL (no federal MCL): 10 µg/L · 23% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Strontium
Inorganic
Detected
453.0 µg/L
EPA Health Ref Level: 1,500 µg/L · 30% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Vanadium
Inorganic
Detected
2.25 µg/L
EPA Short-term HA: 21 µg/L · 11% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Chlorate
Disinfection Byproduct
Elevated
133.1 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 210 µg/L · 63% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Molybdenum
Inorganic
Detected
2.80 µg/L
EPA Lifetime HA: 40 µg/L · 7% of limit
DetectedUCMR 3 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

45
Total violations
7
Health-based
14
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

45 Total
14 Active
7 Health-based
31 Resolved
9 SNC
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
18
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
9
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
4
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
2
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Oct 2023
Oct 2023 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2023
Jan 2019 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2019
Oct 2018 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2018
Sep 2018 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2019
Sep 2018 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2019
Showing 20 of 45 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Linwood

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Linwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
INTERVET INC.
Chemicals · MERCK & CO INC
DE SOTO, KS66018
3.6 mi
ADLER PELZER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC.
Plastics and Rubber · ADLER PELZER AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS INC
EUDORA, KS66025
5.0 mi
ICL
Chemicals · ICL SPECIALTY PRODUCTS NORTH AMERICA INC
LAWRENCE, KS66044
9.6 mi
TRECORA SPECIALTIES CHEMICAL LLC
Chemicals · TRECORA RESOURCES INC
LAWRENCE, KS66044
9.6 mi
PROSOCO INC
Chemicals · NA
LAWRENCE, KS66046
8.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Sep 2011
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Leavenworth County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4035
Jun 2011
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #3324
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3236
Jul 1993
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1000
Sep 1977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #539
May 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #378

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 32.9 ppb from 1993 (37.0 ppb) to 2023 (4.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
918
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Linwood's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Linwood's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 918 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Linwood

Linwood is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Stranger C Nr Tonganoxie
river
Kansas R
river
Kill C
river
Cedar C
river
Camp C
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Linwood

System Name PWSID Population Source
LEAVENWORTH CO RWD 10 KS2010315 499 SWP
LINWOOD, CITY OF KS2010310 419 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Linwood compares

Full Kansas rankings →

Linwood's score of 76.2/100 is above the average of 62/100 among major Kansas cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Linwood (this city)
76.2
Wichita
83.9
Olathe
79.5
Topeka
39.3
Lawrence
74.6
Kansas avg
62
City Profile

About Linwood, KS

Wikipedia →

Linwood is a city in Leavenworth County, Kansas, United States, and part of the Kansas City metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the population of the city was 415. It is located along K-32 highway between Lawrence and Bonner Springs.

Economic Profile
$61,211
Median Income
$195,314
Median Home Value
$856/mo
Median Rent
5.3%
Unemployment
Community
29.2
Median Age
237
People / sq mi
22.5%
College Educated
81.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Linwood, KS tap water safe to drink?

Linwood's water quality earned a grade of B (76.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #206 out of 323 cities tested in Kansas.

What contaminants are in Linwood's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.

How is Linwood's water quality grade calculated?

The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.

Do I need a water filter in Linwood?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Linwood's water come from?

Linwood's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 918 residents.

What health violations has Linwood's water system had?

Linwood has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.

How does Linwood's water compare to other cities?

Linwood ranks #206 out of 323 cities in Kansas (better than 36% of state cities) and #9376 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.